As Egypt and Russia continue to deepen their cultural ties, film has emerged as a particularly dynamic field of cooperation. The recent RT Documentary “Time of Heroes” forum in Cairo offered a new platform for dialogue and artistic exchange between the two nations, highlighting the role of cinema as both a cultural and diplomatic bridge.
In this context, Ahram Online sat down with Ekaterina Yakovleva, Executive Producer and Head of Documentary Broadcasting at RT Documentary, to discuss the outcomes of the Cairo forum, the network’s growing partnerships with Egyptian media, and the enduring importance of long-form documentary storytelling in an age dominated by “fast and short” content.
Ahram Online (AO): Could you elaborate on the current state of cooperation between RT Documentary and Egyptian media organisations? Are there any ongoing co-production projects, content-sharing agreements, or training initiatives?
Ekaterina Yakovleva (EY): At present, the RT network maintains five active memorandums of understanding with leading Egyptian media companies—Sada El Balad, TeN TV, Al-Ghad TV, Masrawy, and United Media Services News.
There has not yet been direct collaboration between RT Documentary and Egyptian organisations. However, our films are regularly featured on RT Arabic, as we supply content to all channels within the RT network.
The Time of Heroes forum in Cairo provided an excellent opportunity to establish meaningful contacts. We have already held discussions about organising regular screenings of RT Documentary films in Cairo and are exploring content-sharing opportunities with local television networks.
Events such as this forum are crucial for fostering the right partnerships—those that benefit filmmakers and audiences alike. RT Arabic already enjoys a long-standing and productive relationship with Egyptian partners, and further agreements are currently in development. More broadly, collaboration between RT and Egypt—both within the media sector and at the governmental level—is very much advancing.
AO: The Time of Heroes forum in Cairo was attended by the Russian ambassador. What were its main activities and outcomes?
EY: We were absolutely delighted with the results of the festival. Most importantly, the halls were full from morning until night. It was wonderful to see the engaged and attentive faces of the audience—especially students from Cairo’s universities who study documentary filmmaking.
We also held a very successful masterclass. Afterwards, several students told us, “Now I understand how to find a topic for a documentary. I know I can make one myself.” That meant a great deal to us—it felt as if we had left a part of our professional experience here in Cairo among your students.
Another highlight was a panel discussion on traditional values, during which we realised just how much our two countries share in common. We stand on the same foundations—our roots, our historical and national identities, our culture, faith, and family.
Egyptian documentary films were also screened at the festival and received with great enthusiasm. The quality was outstanding. We exchanged experience and contacts, and we are already discussing joint screenings in Cairo and possibly other Egyptian cities.
AO: What are the key strategic goals RT Documentary hopes to achieve through its collaboration with Egyptian media, filmmakers, and cultural institutions?
EY: Our foremost goal is cultural exchange. Our peoples are naturally drawn to one another, and this festival was a testament to that connection. We were deeply moved by how warmly Egyptian audiences received our films.
In the same spirit, we would be honoured to showcase Egyptian documentaries in Russia. We believe film is a form of diplomacy—people’s diplomacy—a language capable of building bridges and easing tensions, even in difficult political climates.
AO: How do you view the current global information environment, particularly in light of issues such as “fake news,” media polarisation, and geopolitical tensions?
EY: Combating fake news is one of the great challenges of our time. A lie never travels alone—it comes in countless versions—while truth is singular. That’s why truth often struggles to be heard amid the noise. But if it’s spoken clearly and consistently, it eventually prevails.
Our documentary films are proof of that. Wherever we hold our festivals, audiences are receptive to our work. They come away with a more nuanced understanding than they could ever get from short news clips—or worse, fabricated stories.
Our films feature real people, often without narration or commentary, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. When people compare our documentaries to superficial or false reporting, they choose the documentaries—they choose truth. That, in essence, is what documentary cinema must stand for.
AO: In today’s fast-paced media environment, why does long-form documentary storytelling still matter?
EY: In an age of social media and “fast and short” content, documentaries play an essential role. They restore people’s capacity for reflection and deep thought.
Here in Egypt, we saw young people—many deeply immersed in platforms like TikTok and Instagram—sit through long, serious films with genuine focus. The questions they asked afterwards were remarkably insightful. After only a day of watching documentaries, many seemed transformed by the experience.
Documentaries cultivate a broader worldview, a deeper understanding, and a richer context. That is why we must promote them, especially among younger audiences. We mustn’t lose this generation; we must help them preserve their ability to think deeply. That’s why we need documentaries—and serious literature as well.
AO: What is the core editorial philosophy guiding RT Documentary’s commissioning and production process?
EY: Our philosophy is to put the human story at the centre. We focus on narratives of personal transformation and overcoming adversity—stories viewers can witness unfolding before their eyes.
Many of our films celebrate heroism and courage. For young audiences especially, it’s vital to present such examples, showing them that they too, are capable of strength and resilience. Society is built upon its heroes, and history is shaped by them. Our mission is to tell these stories of heroism through the language of documentary cinema.
AO: How does RT Documentary ensure factual accuracy, credibility, and balance in its work?
EY: Factual accuracy is the foundation of all we do. Every piece of information is rigorously verified—from a film’s initial concept to its final edit. Our editors meticulously check all details to ensure they correspond to reality. That is the standard not only at RT Documentary but across the entire RT network.
AO: How do you measure the success or impact of an RT Documentary film?
EY: We look at viewership, reach, and the feedback we receive from audiences—especially during festivals and cinema screenings.
Before we were blocked in many Western countries, our films received millions of views, showing clear interest from Western audiences. Politics may have interfered, but that has not stopped us. Our audience continues to grow across the East and the Global South, and people in the West still find ways to watch our films.
Wherever possible, we bring our stories and ideas to the public. The emotional reactions we see—people leaving theatres with tears in their eyes, visibly moved—speak volumes about the impact of our work.
AO: Russia and President Vladimir Putin recently marked RT’s 20th anniversary. How did you view that milestone?
EY: Indeed, President Putin personally attended the celebration and paid special tribute to our documentary filmmakers. He met with several of the heroes featured in our films—soldiers, war correspondents, and volunteers serving on the frontlines.
They were nervous beforehand, but his warm and sincere conversation left a lasting impression. It was a deeply meaningful moment for our entire team.
AO: Finally, what do you consider the most significant milestones achieved by RT and its documentary division in the past year?
EY: We’ve achieved a great deal—awards, strong viewership figures, and a travelling festival that has been warmly received worldwide. But above all, we’re grateful that all members of our team are still alive.
For the past three and a half years, our crews have been working on the frontlines, often in extremely dangerous conditions. While they are out there risking their lives, we pray for them from the rear. Their bravery and dedication are what truly define RT Documentary.
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